Google To Direct World Cup Search Queries To ESPN In U.S.

If you were among the hundreds of millions (billions) that was shocked by a penalty that was awarded to Brazilian player Fred yesterday who fell to the grown as if he was shot with an elephant gun following nominal contact from a Croatian defender yesterday you might have noticed two things. Well, at least one. The Japanese referee awarded a horrible penalty essentially gifting Brazil the match and the video highlight following your Google Search was hosted by ESPN.

The Google – ESPN partnership

That’s because Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) and ESPN have reached a partnership agreement that will see ESPN rushing to get highlights up as fast as possible while Google drives millions to its site. The move represents the first time that the search giant has sent its users to a website with which it has a strategic partnership.

While Cameroon and Mexico just reached half-time have a look at the two Mexican goals were disqualified and you will be directed to ESPN. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL)’s “in-line” search results will feature a screenshot taken from ESPN’s in-game footage and will link searchers directly to ESPN’s ESPNfc soccer site.

If, however, you searched for “how to watch the game live,” Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) will send you to WatchESPN that streams the games to pay-TV subscribers.

It’s being reported that there will not be any money exchanging hands between the two, nor will they share ad revenue from their own sites. ESPN digital head John Kosner did, however, state that ESPN intends to promote the partnership on its properties.

So, if you’re looking for a video on the shocking decisions made by the linesman in the first half when he disallowed two goals, chances are you will be disgusted by the “lowlights” on the ESPN Soccer site.